Bird animal figure toy



July 3, 1951 A. J. STEPHENS BIRD ANIMAL FIGURE TOY Filed March 14, 19502 Sheets-Sheet l INVESTOR AQTHUQ J. STEDHENS ATTORNEYS Patented July 3,1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 4 Claims.

My invention relates to a mechanical toy.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a wheeled pull toy whichembodies a novel and highly simplified mechanism, driven by the wheels,and connected with movable parts of figures for imparting life-likemotion to the figures.

A further object of the invention is to provide a wheeled pull toyhaving a plurality of separate figures mounted thereon, and includingmovable parts which are actuated so that the figures will simulate alive flock of chickens, or the like.

A further object is to provide a toy of the above mentioned characterwhich will be highly amusing to children, and which is highlysimplified, compact, sturdy and durable in construction and attractivein appearance.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and inwhich like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout thesame,

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a wheeled pull toy embodying myinvention, part in section,

Figure 2 is a plan view of the toy, parts broken away,

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the toy, part broken away, and partsin section,

Figure 4 is a central vertical longitudinal sectional view taken on line4-4 of Figure 2, and,

Figure 5 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on line 5--5 ofFigure 4.

In the drawings, where for the purpose of illustration is shown apreferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral I9 designates a flathorizontal rectangular platform which is longitudinally elongated, asshown. The platform It has rigidly secured to its bottom side laterallyoppositely disposed depending bearing blocks H and 52, which arearranged near and rearwardly of the longitudinal center of the platforml0. Suitable aligned bearings 13 are secured to the bottom of the blocksH and I2, and a transverse horizontal axle or shaft I4 is journaledwithin the bearings l3, and extend across the platform land is spacedfrom the bottom of the platform, as shown. The axle or shaft I4 isprovided near its longitudinal center, and near the transverse center ofthe platform lfl with an eccentric portion or crank l5, integraltherewith. Wheels- !6 are secured to the opposite ends of the axle orshaft M, for rotation therewith, and these wheels are preferablyarranged substantially adjacent to the opposite sides of the platformH3.

Suitably rigidly secured to the top of the platform it are a pluralityof spaced upstanding vertical pegs or posts H, and the pegs H arepreferably arranged in staggered relation, as shown clearly in Figures 1and 2. FiXedly secured to the tops of the pegs I! are relativelystationary blocks or bodv portions I3, which'are shaped to simulate thebodies of chickens. As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, the blocks l8 arerelatively narrow, and somewhat elongated longitudinally. The blocks itare preferably disposed in parallel relation, as shown, and the blocksassume the spaced staggered relationship of the pegs I! which supportthem. Each block I 8 is provided in its forward end and bottom with arecess 9, and each block has a transverse pivot pin 26 mounted upon itsforward end and extending through the recess l9. Pivotally mounted uponeach pin 20 is a vertically swingable elongated curved member or neck2!, shaped to simulate the neck of a live chicken or the like, andprovided at its forward end with a head 22 which likewise simulates thehead of a chicken or the like.

The necks 2| extend longitudinally forwardly of the blocks or bodyportions I8, and the rear portions of the necks 2| are disposed withinthe recesses I9, and substantially concealed therein. The necks 2! arefreely swingable vertically, and tend to remain in depending or loweredpositions, under the influence of gravity, wherein the tips of the heads22 contact the top of the platform I8, Figure 4. The rear ends of thenecks 2| are preferably provided with narrow arcuate grooves 23, whichreceive and guide the upper portions of flexible elements for cords 24.The tops ends of the cords 24 are permanently securely anchored withinopenings formed in the tops of the necks 2!, within the recesses l9, asshown at 25. The cords 24 pass about the rear ends of the necks 2|,rearwardly of the pivot pins 20 and downwardly through the bottoms ofthe recesses 59. Small openings 26 are formed in the horizontal platforml9 substantially directly below the recesses l9, and the cords 24 passthrough these small openings, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Thearrangement is such that when the cords 24 are pulled downwardly throughthe openings 26, that the necks 2i and heads 22 are elevated or swungupwardly. When the cords 24 are released, so that they may pass upwardlythrough the small openings 26, the necks 2| will again descend due togravity. This mode of operation is continuous, as the toy travelsforwardly, as will be more fully explained, and the action of the necks2| simulates the well-known pecking movement of chickens in a life-likemanner.

Longitudinally forwardly of the group of blocks 18 and pegs ill, andsubstantially at the transverse center of the platform In, the same hasrigidly secured to its bottom side a depending bearing block Zl,provided with a vertical opening or bore 28 which registers with anopening 29 formed in the platform I above the block 21. A vertical pinor peg 39 is journaled within the openings or bores 28 and 2S, and thetop end of the peg 8!] extends above the top of the platform, while itsbottom end projects below the block 2i, Figure 4. A block or roosterbody portion 3| is rigidly secured to the top of the peg 35, forrotation therewith, and a short tubularspacer 32 surrounds the peg 38between the bottom of the block 3! and the top of the platform Iii. Thisspacer 32 contacts the bottom of the block 3| to hold the block and pegagainst downward movement. The block or rooster portion 3| is providedin its forward and bottom with a slot or recess 33, similar to therecess l9. A transverse pivot pin 54 is mounted upon the forward end ofthe block 3| and extends across the recess 33, as shown. An elongatedcurved neck 35 has its rear end pivotally mounted upon the pin 34 anddisposed Within the recess 33, and the neck 35 is provided at itsforward end with an extension or head 36, which simulates the head of alive rooster. The neck 35 like the necks 2| is freely swingablevertically, and tends to remain in the lowered position, Figure 4, dueto gravity. The rear end of the neck 35 is preferably provided with anarcuate groove 3?, for receiving and guiding a flexible element or cord38, similar to the cords 24. The top end of the cord 38 is permanentlyanchored within a small opening 39, formed in the top of the neck 35. Asshown in Figure 4, the cord 38 passes about the rear end of the neck 35and downwardly through the bottom of the recess 33, and rearwardly ofthe pivot pin 34. The platform It? is provided slightly rearwardly ofthe peg 38 with a small opening 4@, slidably receiving the cord 38therein. The cord 38 and all of the cords 24 extend below the platformIii, as shown.

Near and forwardly of the rear end of the platform 50, the same hasrigidly mounted upon its bottom side a depending tubular guide orbearing 4!, disposed near the transverse center of the platform. Asimilar depending guide or hearing 43 is rigidly secured to the bottomof the platform It adjacent to one side of the bearing block 27, andnear the forward end of the platform. The guides 4| and 43 are arrangedin axial alignment, and an elongated horizontal straight reciprocatorybar or rod 44 is slidably supported within the bearings 4| and 43 andadapted to reciprocate longitudinally therein. The elongated rod 44 issubstantially parallel to the longitudinal center line of the platformH], as shown, and this rod extends throughout the major portion of thelength of the platform .and longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly ofthe bearings 43 and 4| respectively, Figure 3. A suitable longitudinallyextending connecting rod 45 is arranged beneath the rod 44, and isprovided at its rear end with a loop or eye 45, pivotally receiving thecrank l therein. Tubular spacers 4? and 48 are mounted upon the crankI5, upon opposite sides of the loop 46, Figure 3, and these spacersserve to maintain the connecting rod 45 centered beneath the rod 44. Theconnecting rod 45 further includes a forward upwardly inclinedbifurcated extension 45, pivotally connected as at 50 with thereciprocatory rod 44 longitudinally forwardly of the axle l4.

A short horizontally swingable arm 5| is rigidly secured to the bottomend of the pin or peg 353, and disposed beneath the bearing block 21.The outer end of the arm 5| is pivotally connected as at 52 with alongitudinal connecting rod or ,24 of the central link 53, formed ofwire or the like, and the rear end of this link 53 is pivotallyconnected as at 54 with the bifurcated extension 49 of the connectingrod 45. The link 53 lies adjacent to one side of and belowthe'reciprocatory rod 44.

The bottom end of the flexible element or cord 38 is permanently securedor tied to the rear end of the link 53, adjacent to the bifurcatedextension 49, as shown at 55. The cords 24 of the forwardmost pair ofnecks 2| are tied or secured together, and passed through a smalltransverse opening 58 formed in the reciprocatory rod 44 near itslongitudinal center. The cords 24 of the rearmost pair of necks 2| aresecured or tied together below the reciprocatory rod 44, as at 51, and ashortlongitudinally extending cord or flexible element 58 connects therearmost pair of cords 24 with the reciprocatory rod 44 forwardly of therear bearing M, as at 59. The cord 24 of the centrally locatedintermediate neck 2|, shown in cross section in Figure 4, is also tiedor secured to the rod 44 at 59. The other intermediate neck 2|, arrangedadjacent to one side of the platform ID, Figure 2, has its cord 24secured or tied with a small transverse opening of the rod 44, at apoint longitudinally forwardly of the loop 59, as shown at 65.

A suitable handle 5|, is secured to the forward end of the platform it]at the transverse center of the platform, and this handle is employedfor pulling the wheeled toy over the floor or the like.

So that trash or other objects will not become entangled in the workingmechanism below the platform If], I provide a bottom casing or cover 52,which is suitably rigidly secured to the bottom of the platform l8, andsubstantially completely enclosing all of the mechanism below theplatform. The casing 62 preferably extends for the entire length of theplatform It), and the sides 53 of the casing are disposed laterallyinwardly of the wheels l6 and provided with openings for rotatablyreceiving the axle l4. Adjacent to the axle M, the casing 52 is providedin its bottom with a rectangular opening 54 to provide clearance for therotation of the crank l5 and connecting rod 45.

The operation of the toy is as follows:

The toy is pulled over the floor or ground by means of the handle 51.This causes the wheels E5 to rotate, rotating the crank l5. This causesthe connecting rod to oscillate, for reciprocat ing the elongated rod44. Each time the connecting rod 45 is shifted longitudinally forwardlyand rearwardly, the horizontal arm 5| swings forwardly and rearwardlyand turns the vertical peg or pin 35. This causes the block 3| to swinghorizontally from right to left, above the platform l5. This swingingmovement of the block 3| will be continuous, as long as the toy ispulled by the handle 6|. The blocks it do not swing, but are fixedlysecured to the pegs IT, as previously stated.

The arrangement is such that each time that the reciprocatory rod 44 isshifted longitudinally forwardly, the cords 24 of all of the necks 2|except the neck of the central intermediate chicken, shown in section inFigure 4, are tensioned for raising thenecks 2|. When the rod 44 isshifted longitudinally forwardly, the cord intermediate neck 2| isslackened, as is the cord 38. Accordingly, when the rod 44 is in theforward position the neck 35 When the rod 44 the central intermediateneck 2! is tensioned, as is the cord 35, and the necks connected withthese cords are elevated, while the remainder of the necks 2! remainlowered. This operation is continuous, as long as the toy is pulledforwardly by the handle El, and the action of the necks 2i and 35simulates the movement of a flock of chickens or the like while peckingat feed or grain.

The construction of the toy is highly simplified, compact, sturdy anddurable. The various parts of the toy, such as the blocks I8 and Si,necks 2i and platform W are well adapted to be formed of wood, or somesuitable plastics material. However, any suitable material may beemployed which is light and suiliciently strong and durable. The blocksl8 and necks 2i and 35 may be decorated or colored as desired, andalthough I have shown the blocks 18 and 3| shaped like chickens, ifdesired, the figures could be shaped to represent other fowl, such asducks, geese or the like. If desired, the figures could be also shapedto represent some small animal.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown anddescribed is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and thatvarious changes in shape, size and arrangement of :parts maybe resortedto, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope ofthe subj oined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A pull toy comprising a substantially horizontal wheeled platform, acrank element arranged beneath the platform and connected with thewheels for rotation therewith, a group of separate spaced upstandingpegs mounted upon the top of the platform and projecting above the same,bird simulating blocks secured to the tops of the pegs, verticallyswingable necks pivotally connected with the blocks and extendinglongitudinally of the blocks, the platform having a plurality of smallopenings, a forward substantially vertical rotatable peg journaled uponthe platform near its forward end and extending above and below theplatform, a bird simulating block secured to the top end of therotatable pe a vertically swingable neck pivotally secured to the lastnamed block, a substantially horizontal arm secured to the bottom of therotatable peg and disposed below the platform, longitudinally spacedaligned bearings secured to the bottom of the platform near the oppositeends of the platform, a longitudinal elongated reciprocatory rodjournaled within the bearings and spaced near and below the platform,flexible elements connected with the vertically swingable necks of allof the blocks and extending through the small openings of the platformand connected with the reciprocatory rod below the platform, aconnecting rod arranged beneath the reciprocatory rod and having itsforward end pivotally connected with the reciprocatory rod and its rearend !piVOtally connected with the crank element, and a link connectingthe connecting rod and said horizontal arm of the rotatable peg.

2. A pull toy comprising a substantially horizontal wheeled platform, aneccentric crank element connected with the wheels and disposed below theplatform and adapted to be driven by the wheels, a handle secured to oneend of the platform for pulling it, a substantially vertical pinjournaled upon the platform for rotation and extending above and belowthe platform, a bird simulating member secured to the top or" the pinand including a vertically swingable neck, the platform having a smallopening, a flexible element connected with the vertically swingable neckand extending through the small opening of the platform and below theplatform, a horizontal arm secured to the bottom of the substantiallyvertical pin for rotation therewith and disposed beneath the platformand spaced from the crank element, guide means secured to the botto n ofthe platform, a longitudinally shiftabie member connected with the guidemeans and disposed beneath the platform and connected with the crankelement to be driven thereby, the flexible element being connected withthe longitudinally shiftable member, and a link connecting thesubstantially horizontal arm and longitudinally shiftable member, thearrangement being such that rotation of the wheels and crank elementcauses the bird simulating member to swing horizontally above theplatform while the neck swings vertically;

3. A bird animal figure toy comprising a horizontal wheeled platform, acrank element arranged beneath the platform and connected with thewheels for rotation therewith, a group of separate spaced upstandingpegs mounted upon the top of the platform and projecting above the same,bird simulating blocks secured to the tops of the pegs, verticallyswingable necks pivotally connected with the blocks and extendinglongitudinally of the blocks, a longitudinal elongated reciprocatory rodpositioned below and spaced from said platform and dependingly supportedfrom the latter, flexible elements connecting the vertically swingablenecks of all of said blocks to said reciprocat-ory rod, and a connectingrod arranged beneath the reciprocatory rod and having its forward endpivotally connected with the reciprccatory rod and its rear endpivotally connected to said crank element.

4. A bird animal figure toy comprising a. horizontal wheeled platform, acrank element arranged beneath the platform and connected with thewheels for rotation therewith, a vertical rotatable peg positioned nearthe forward end of said platform and extending above and below thelatter, a bird simulating block secured to the top end of the rotatablepeg, a vertically swingable neck pivotally secured to said block, asubstantially horizontal arm secured to the bottom of the rotatable pegand disposed below the platform, a longitudinal elongated reciprocatoryrod positioned below and spaced from said platform and dependinglysupported from the latter, a

flexible element connecting the vertical swingable neck to thereciprocatory rod, a connecting rod arranged beneath the reci-procatoryrod and having its forward end pivotally connected with thereciprocatory rod and its rear end pivotally connected with the crankelement, and a link connecting the connecting rod and said horizontalarm of the rotatable peg.

ARTHUR J. STEPHENS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the me ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,545,020 Strauss July 7, 19252,267,032 Jenkins Dec. 23, 1941

